Restitution case over Modigliani

November 3 2011

Image of Restitution case over Modigliani

Picture: Courthouse News Service

The heir of a Jewish art dealer is suing a New York dealer for the return of the above Modigliani, Seated Man with a Cane. The picture was sold by the Nazi-appointed administrator of Oscar Stettiner's inventory in 1944, a sale which, in international law, was declared void after the war. However, the alleged holders of the picture, the Helly Nahmad Gallery, are refusing to return the work, hence the lawsuit. I'm a little puzzled, as I understood (from experience!) that in the state of New York, any picture stolen or sold under duress by the Nazis could automatically be seized by the police. More details here. 

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